Biomarkers Lab

Every time you visit the clinic, biomarkers are collected. From blood pressure to saliva samples and blood draws to brain imaging, biomarkers can tell us how the body is doing through measurable tests.

You may wonder how your blood pressure or blood draws lead to research. Researchers at the Fixel Institute Biomarkers Lab use biomarkers to measure and track trends in the body related to complex neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, ALS, and more. 

Overview

The Biomarkers Lab aims to advance clinical research, as well as to understand successful, healthy aging.

Patients can opt to participate and provide samples in clinic to help advance research, which may include the following sample types:

  • Blood
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
  • DNA, RNA and proteins
  • GI samples
  • Postmorteum brain donation
  • Saliva
  • Skin fibroblasts, muscles and hair follicles

Meet the Researchers

Stephan D Alvarez
Department: MD-SURGERY-PLASTIC

Stephan D Alvarez

Clinical Research Coord III
Malú Gámez Tansey
Department: Department of Neuroscience

Malú Gámez Tansey

Norman And Susan Fixel Professor Of Neuroscience And Neurology, Director, Parkinson’s Foundation Research Center Of Excellence At UF
Habibeh Khoshbouei
Department: Department of Neuroscience

Habibeh Khoshbouei

Professor
Matthew J LaVoie
Department: MD-NEUROLOGY-MOVEMENT DISORDER

Matthew J LaVoie PhD

Fixel Family Chair, Director Center Of Translational Research In Neurodegenerative Disease, Associate Chair For Research-Neurology
Nikolaus McFarland
Department: MD-NEUROLOGY-MOVEMENT DISORDER

Nikolaus McFarland MD, PhD

Associate Professor Of Neurology, Wright/Falls/Simmons Professorship In PSP And Atypical Parkinsonism, Director UF HDSA Center Of Excellence
Catherine Price
Department: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology

Catherine Price Ph.D., ABPP-cn

Associate Professor
Stefan Prokop
Department: MD-PATHOLOGY-GENERAL

Stefan Prokop M.D.

AST PROF
Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora
Department: MD-NEUROLOGY-MOVEMENT DISORDER

Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora MD

Professor Of Neurology & Division Chief Movement Disorders
Laura P W Ranum
Department: Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Laura P W Ranum

Kitzman Family Professor Of Molecular Genetics And Microbiology; Director Center For NeuroGenetics
James Wymer
Department: MD-NEUROMUSCULAR NEUROLOGY

James Wymer MD, FAAN

Professor & Division Chief; Melvin Greer Professor

Are you a researcher interested in biomarkers?

With thousands of patients coming to the Norman Fixel Institute every year, the Biomarkers Lab designed a process to help affiliated researchers collect biomarkers in the clinic.